Magong Jin Gui Tou Fortress (Under Renovation, Not Open to Public) Introduction
Located on the southwestern side of Magong Peninsula, at the westernmost tip of Penghu Island, Guitou Mountain overlooks Magong Bay, with the old "Snake Head" known as Dashanyu situated to the east of Fengguiwei, forming a strategic position guarding the entrance of Magong Harbor. Historically, the western part of Magong Bay (the West Harbor) has been protected by artillery fortifications as a right flank, opposing the defensive structures at Fengguiwei as the left flank. The main architectural form of the Jin Guitou Artillery Station is a dome-shaped barrack, which is a characteristic feature of fortifications in the Penghu region. The construction of the barracks involves a wall of 110-115 cm thick stone bases on both sides, topped with a brick arch dome. The thickness of the brick arch can't be determined from the intact site, but it generally consists of four layers. To prevent water penetration, the brick surface is covered with a layer of binary earth to create a rounded, raised roof. The surface is then treated with asphalt for exterior protection. Due to long-term use, cracks can occur on the surface, and after reapplying a waterproof layer of asphalt, a layer of cement mortar is added as the outermost protection. For structural concealment, a thick oil-based paint (typically a deep green) is applied as standard practice for this fortress. The exterior walls, doorways, and window edges commonly feature deep green oil paint, while the interior walls are painted white to enhance the brightness of the enclosed space. Currently, due to usage, the barracks have been divided into various sizes of rooms. The longest barrack on the southeastern side (Building U) serves as the company commander’s room, armory, staff officer’s room, adviser’s room, and large sleeping quarters. The shortest barrack on the northwest side (Building Y) is used as a rest area, sergeant’s quarters, and a loading platform. The barrack facing the sea (Building V) serves as the deputy commander’s room, section leader’s room, material storage, administration office, and paint storage. Although the internal conditions of these spaces remain relatively intact, many wooden doors and windows have changed from their original state, and the walls are cluttered with electric conduits and gas lines that need organization or restoration. The roof currently faces the most severe issues, with significant cracking and detached protective layers that must be carefully excavated and repaired from the waterproof layer. The disordered pipes should also be repaired and improved in coordination with roof restoration. Additionally, the roof top has exhaust vent outlets, which should be replaced with copper to prevent rust, as the current covers are either makeshift iron caps or hollow brick constructions. If conditions permit, documenting and sketching the original interior partitions is advisable to prevent the loss of historical remains during any future modifications.
